Are you wondering what to pack in your hospital bag when you have your baby? I’ve got you covered. Let’s talk about what to pack in your hospital bag for mom, baby, and anyone else joining you in the delivery room.
What is the best bag to use as a hospital bag?
The best bag to use as a hospital bag might be one you already own (like a suitcase or duffle bag). You don’t need to purchase a special bag for the hospital. Of course, if you want to purchase a new bag, there are great options. You can see some of my favorites here.
Expert Tip: I recommend packing everything in a single bag or roller suitcase that can be handled by one person. Use packing cubes to separate things (Think: labor, postpartum, support person) instead of using multiple bags.
What to pack in your hospital bag for mom:
Deciding what to bring in your hospital bag for labor truly depends on what will make you most comfortable. Do you usually feel better traveling light? Don’t feel pressure to bring your own pillow from home, even if it's the right choice for your best friend. The hospital will provide the things you need for your postpartum recovery while in the hospital (think: gown, soap, pads, disposable underwear, etc.), but consider what you know about your own preferences to help you narrow down your list. Here’s a guide for mom must-haves for your hospital bag:
Essentials:
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Documents
Photo identification, insurance information, birth plan, pediatrician contact information, hospital forms (Check with your provider or hospital about pre-registration.) -
Phone and extra-long charger/power bank
You never know where the outlet might be, and you’ll want your phone ready to capture those precious, first newborn moments. -
Flip-flops or shower shoes
Bring a pair that you wouldn’t mind getting damaged or lost. -
Personal hygiene products
The hospital will likely provide you with the toiletries you need, but many moms prefer to have their own products. Think: hairbrush, toothbrush/toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant, face wash/wipes, shampoo/conditioner, or dry shampoo. Pack travel-size options when possible. -
Extra hair bands or soft headbands
You’ll probably want your hair pulled back from your face during labor, and clips may be uncomfortable. -
Favorite lip balm
To keep your lips from getting chapped in the dry hospital. -
Going-home outfit
Understand that the hospital will provide a nursing-friendly gown for your stay. But, you will need something to wear for going home. Plan to pack something that's comfortable, loose-fitting, and lightweight. Most moms find loungewear from late pregnancy is the best option. Just so you know, your ankles may swell, so you'll want to bring comfortable slip-on shoes.
Extras to consider:
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Your own clothes
If you prefer to have your own clothes for your hospital stay, you’ll want to pack loose pajamas, a robe, or lounge wear. I recommend clothes that are comfortable, loose-fitting, lightweight, and have easy access for nursing and skin-to-skin contact with your newborn. -
Eyewear (if applicable)
Glasses or contact lenses, cases, contact lens solution, etc. -
Breastfeeding essentials
Nipple cream, nursing pillow, and nursing bra -
Breast pump
If you’re new to pumping, bringing your pump into the hospital will be a big help. The lactation consultant on staff can come to visit you, and you can ask them to teach you how to use it properly. -
Makeup bag
Consider if having a few of your favorite makeup items would be a welcome pick-me-up during your hospital stay, or if this simply isn’t a priority for you. -
Photo-ready outfit.
You might want to bring an outfit that you’ll feel great in for any newborn photos. -
Comfort items
Think of items that may make your stay more comfortable: slippers or slides, cozy blanket, eyemask, pillow. I recommend not bringing your favorites of these items to the hospital; instead, bring or buy comfort items that you won’t mind getting damaged or left behind. -
Tablet
Having a tablet to watch your favorite show can help pass the time while in the early stages of labor or while in your postpartum recovery room. -
Bluetooth speaker or headphones
If you think music will be a welcome distraction, go ahead and pack a speaker or earbuds, but don't stress about adding this to your bag if you think it might cause you to feel overstimulated. -
Portable fan
The breeze from a portable fan can be so nice during labor and for postpartum.
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Nightlight
The bright lights from the hospital can be hard on your eyes, especially during the moments you’re trying to get some rest. Having a portable nightlight can make those nighttime wakings a little more peaceful (Tip: use one you can tap to turn on).
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Snacks
The hospital will feed you, but you might be most comfortable with some of your favorite snacks from home. It’s hard to predict when you’ll be hungry, and you’ll be glad to have your favorite snacks or drinks available anytime.
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Water bottle
Hospitals will provide you with a water cup that you may love, but some people prefer to bring a water bottle they like from home.
You can find Taking Cara Babies community favorite products for mom here.
What to pack in your hospital bag for baby:
The hospital will provide what you need, but you may want to bring a few special items for your baby. Here are my recommendations for what to pack in your hospital bag for your baby:
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Velcro swaddle
I highly recommend bringing a swaddle that velcros, like the b.e.s.t swaddle by Taking Cara Babies, as they make swaddling easier and safer. If you want to get familiar with using a swaddle, I’ve got you covered: How to Swaddle a Baby.
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Portable sound machine
Sound machines mimic the environment of the womb and muffle the noisy hustle and bustle of the hospital.
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Going-home outfit for baby
You’ll want to be sure to dress your baby appropriately for the weather. If your baby is born during colder temperatures, consider an extra onesie under their outfit, as wearing a jacket isn’t a safe option for the car seat.
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Preemie size outfit
I recommend bringing one preemie-sized outfit. Many parents are disappointed when the newborn-sized “going home” outfit is way too big on their baby (even if they are born full-term).
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Photo props
If you plan to take newborn photos or do your own photoshoot, pack anything you may want to include in those pictures. Think: cute blanket, hat, name card.
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Pacifier(s)
If you plan to use a pacifier with your baby, bring pacifiers with you to the hospital. (Some hospitals do provide these, but some do not.) Check out my blog Newborns Sleeping with Pacifiers: Everything You Need to Know, for all the reasons I love pacifiers and the pacifiers I recommend for newborns.
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Car seat
You’ll need it to take your baby home from the hospital. The hospital staff typically cannot assist with the car seat, so be sure it is properly installed and get comfortable using the car seat prior to your baby’s arrival.
You can find Taking Cara Babies community favorite products for baby here.
What to pack in your hospital bag for your birth support person:
Your birth support person will need things to keep themselves comfortable. Here’s what they'll need:
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Wallet
Your support person should double-check that they have their photo ID and credit card in their wallet. It’s also a good idea to have some cash for the vending machine just in case.
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Snacks
Even if you’re packing some for yourself, it won’t hurt to have your support person bring their own. You really can’t have too many snacks. (Most hospitals do not provide food for your support person.)
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Pajamas and/or a change of clothes
They’ll want something comfy to wear. If your support person is planning to have skin-to-skin contact with your newborn, consider packing something with easy access, like a button-down shirt or zipper hoodie.
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Personal hygiene products
The necessities: toothbrush/toothpaste and deodorant. The extras: mouthwash, shampoo, body wash (travel size).
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Pillow and blanket
The sleeping accommodations in the hospital aren’t known for comfort. Bringing a pillow or blanket from home might help your support person feel a little cozier. I recommend using a brightly colored or patterned pillow case so it won’t get mixed up with hospital pillows.
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Phone and phone charger/power bank
I recommend an extra-long charger for your support person, too. Have your person double-check if any other electronics will need a different type of charger.
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Medications
The hospital can’t give medications to anyone except the actual patients. Bring any medications they might need (prescription, pain relievers, allergy medicine, etc.).
When is the best time to pack your hospital bag?
It’s probably best to have your bags packed at least two weeks before your due date. However, some prefer to pack sooner.
What items does the hospital provide for babies?
Many hospitals provide all the true essentials for both you and your baby to use during your stay. You may want to check with your hospital to see what they have on hand before you pack your bag.
If you want to feel more prepared for life after your hospital stay, my newborn class can help you approach your new season with confidence. Many families watch it in the final weeks of pregnancy, when your bags are already packed and time seems to slow down as you wait for labor to begin. My goal is for you to feel confident and thriving in the newborn stage right from the start.
